The UFC is entering a new era.
On Aug. 11, UFC CEO and president Dana White revealed that the world’s largest MMA organization reached a new media rights agreement with Paramount. Starting in 2026, UFC events will be available to watch exclusively on Paramount+ and CBS.
“This deal puts UFC amongst the biggest sports in the world,” White said. “The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport.”
How will this massive contract between the UFC and Paramount impact fans? Here is everything you need to know about the deal, including how to watch UFC events in the future.
When does the deal between UFC and Paramount start?
The UFC and Paramount reached an agreement that will officially begin in 2026. The contract is worth $7.7 billion over seven years.
This new deal will replace the previous agreement between the UFC and ESPN, which is set to expire at the end of 2025.
How many UFC events will be on Paramount+ and CBS?
Paramount’s full UFC schedule will include 13 numbered events as well as 30 Fight Nights. All of those events will be available to stream on Paramount+, and select numbered events will also air on CBS.
Will UFC still hold pay-per-view events?
As part of the agreement with Paramount, the UFC will shift away from the pay-per-view model. That means fans can watch the biggest events of the year with a Paramount+ subscription and no longer worry about additional costs.
How much will it cost to watch UFC events on Paramount+?
Paramount+ offers two basic plans. The UFC has not yet announced whether coverage of events will be included in both plans or only the Paramount+ Premium plan.
Here is a breakdown of each plan:
Paramount+ Essential ($7.99 per month/$59.99 per year)
- 40,000-plus episodes and movies
- NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League
- Stream on three devices at a time
- Limited ads
Paramount+ Premium ($12.99 per month/$119.99 per year)
- Everything in Paramount+ Essential
- Stream CBS for live sporting events
- Download shows and movies
- Access to Showtime
- No ads except for live TV
How much will UFC fans save with the switch from ESPN to Paramount?
The savings will be significant, as the deal between the UFC and Paramount eliminates additional pay-per-view costs.
Under the agreement between the UFC and ESPN, fans had to purchase a base ESPN+ subscription ($11.99 per month/$119.99 per year) and pay-per-view events separately ($79.99 per event). In 2026, a Paramount+ subscription will give fans access to the entire slate of UFC events.
How do UFC fans sign up for Paramount+?
1. Go to the Paramount+ website. You can click “Try It Free” to start your free trial.
2. Select your preferred plan and click continue.
3. Create an account by providing your full name, email address, password and home zip code.
4. Provide your payment information. (You will not be charged until your free trial expires.)
5. If you have filled out all of the necessary fields, you will be able to start streaming Paramount+ content.
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